2. amps-preamps
  3. 1361045276

can a new amp amp tame my speakers?

Just spent some time listening to what I've been planning to upgrade to for main speakers. PSB Synchronys. The Imagine T2's are close, but slightly veiled in comparison. My current, but old, Infinity Kappa 7's really don't give much away to the PSB's. My amp is an old Yamaha MX2, 125wpc, and I've heard them described as bright or harsh, and that's the only complaint I really have with the sound now. Can a well-chosen amp tame the highs on the Kappa'a, which use a ribbon-style tweeter? Or is the 'taming' I seek only going to happen with a speaker upgrade. I honestly don't mind upgrading the speakers, and fully expected to, but after today's auditioning, I'm wondering if I'm going to get that much benefit from that level of investment. $3500+ is a healthy chunk of coin for benefits of slimmer profile and tamed highs. In terms of imaging, weight, and bass, the Kappa's are equal, imo. The system is also the theater, but the avr can power the surrounds, so an amp upgrade could be 2 channel. A power boost is a must too, as the current 125wpc isn't enough for when wifey's not home and the volume gets wound up ;)
english210

Showing 9 responses by acman3

acman3
4,282 posts
 
A used Butler 2250 would sound good with the Infinity's, I would think. Lots of power and smooth top end.
acman3
4,282 posts
 
I think your idea of a good amp to mate with your speakers is a good plan. Then fine tune with IC's as Hevac1 says. Then move to better speaker if needed.

If you buy used you can keep $ losses to a minimum if you don't like the results. Cables can be changed like underwear with this theory. Amps and speakers get a little tougher.

Btw, almost any of the amps mentioned would sound good. Be sure and check input impedance of your amp against Preamp impedance.
acman3
4,282 posts
 
The rule of thumb is 10x the preamp impedance, but others say 20 x the Preamp impedance, so either way, your under 33kohms.

Let us know how it turns out for you and good luck!
acman3
4,282 posts
 
I personally would make it 15k-20k. A lot of class d amps run at 20k and would be fine.
acman3
4,282 posts
 
FWIW, I had a Krell 400xi with Martin Logans and Joseph Audio 25xl and enjoyed it. Not bright like the Krell reputation. Only sold it to go to separates. YMMV unfortunately!!!

You can study and read til the cow's come home, it's good to do your homework, but you will need to hear in your system to see what you like. You may find the soft top end boring/polite once you hear it.

Have Fun and enjoy learning! The journey is most of the fun.
acman3
4,282 posts
 
Time to start looking for that Preamp and cabling? ;)
acman3
4,282 posts
 
It sounds like you want new speakers. Don't expect any of us to stop you. ;)

If anyone is going to be of help, we need to know what source, and cabling you are using. Your current problem can possibly be solved with a preamp, cabling, or source, but maybe you need new speakers to start with???

acman3
4,282 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, The only reason I left it open on the speakers was that ,if English WANTS new speakers, ( we all know how that is) he should go ahead now and get them.

There is a Manley Shrimp and a Quicksilver preamp, on the Gon, but the source may be the biggest problem.

Then there is cable abyss.
acman3
4,282 posts
 
English210, Don't try to use common sense, it just confuses us. I might add that your Rationalization skills will need to improve if you are going to get those $$ interconnects.

I would go for better wire if you can pull that off, and keep your wife happy. It can always be resold. I will let other experts help you with wire recommendations, but I used Reality Speaker Cable when my system was bright, and Audioquest Type8 was really warm to me. Also Anti- cables worked well on one system and were terrible on another. The cable abyss.
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